Do you have question about a cruise that you are planning to go on or want advice and the cruise brochures do not have the answers.  Ask your question here and visitors to the site who have real cruise experience will answer your question.

This might sound a little blunt but I am with Brian here. It does sound as though everything is totally new to you and there fore just as you would read the Highway Code when new to driving so you should read the information pages in the pack of the P & O brochure. The drink prices on P & O ships are not pricey and you are getting scares from people who are relating to other cruise lines. When you have read the brochure click onto the "Forum" pages on this site and read all about bar prices, what you should wear and a host of other things as well. Just look forward to enjoying cruising. .....Neil

The drinks in bars are a similar price to pubs so are good value as cruises go Wine in the restaurant was about £15 per bottle upwards but if you like red the house chilean was good value at around £14 for a litre carafe (if you do not drink all of it it will be waitinng for you on the next evening Having cruises quite a bit I think Ventura is a great ship to start with-you will enjoy it I am sure

The information is in the brochure and on the website but here it is. There are 4 formal and 10smart casual nights on Ventura. Extract from website:... To help you pack for your holiday, below you’ll find a description of the different dress codes we operate and upon which ship they apply. If you do forget to pack something, then don’t worry as our shops carry a wide range of leisurewear and formal clothing. Daywear Casual shirts, shorts, trousers and beachwear are ideal. For going ashore and walking on deck, flat comfortable shoes are a must. You will also need a lightweight jacket or coat for cool evenings and occasional showers. Don’t forget sun protection cream, a sun hat and sunglasses as the sun is much stronger at sea. Packing a spare pair of glasses and an ample supply of any medicines you are taking is also a good idea. Formal This is the opportunity for ladies to wear formal evening wear such as an evening dress, smart trouser suit or a cocktail dress. For men, a dinner jacket or tuxedo are the norm, otherwise a dark lounge/ business suit and tie or formal national dress is fine. (Applies to all ships.) Semi-Formal Ladies can wear anything from tailored trousers to smart separates or an elegant dress, while men are required to wear a smart shirt and trousers with a jacket such as a blazer or sports jacket. A suit and tie may be worn but is not compulsory. (From April 2009 Semi-Formal applies to Arcadia, Artemis, Aurora, Azura and Oriana only.) Smart Casual Stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal, for example casual separates or dresses for ladies and open-neck polo shirts and casual trousers (not shorts) for men. A jacket and smart trousers may be worn but are not compulsory. Smart dark denim may be worn however we request that the following items are not worn: sportswear, e.g. trainers, football shirts and tracksuits. Bring your brightest clothes for our Tropical evenings. (Applies to all ships.) For a typical two week cruise: Oceana and Ventura - From April 2009 there will normally be four Formal evenings and ten Smart Casual evenings. Arcadia, Aurora, Oriana and Artemis – there are normally four Formal evenings, four Semi-Formal evenings and six Smart Casual. However in extremely hot temperatures these dress codes may be relaxed. We will send you confirmation of the specific details of your cruise with your travel documents. Children: The dress code is applicable to all passengers of 18 years and over and we request that on Formal or Semi-Formal evenings children wear, as a minimum, Smart Casual dress, however on these occasions dark denim is not permitted. Please do not wear your swimsuit in the lounges, interior bars, restaurants or reception area. A shirt and suitable footwear is required while indoors and when using the buffets. In the evenings all restaurants and bars comply with the dress code of the evening. For tipping......First of all, please do not worry about it. Who, when and how much you tip is at your discretion. Tips are usually given in cash at the end of your holiday to your stateroom Steward, Restaurant Stewards in the Club Dining restaurants, and to any other staff who you feel you wish to reward. The amount you tip is entirely up to you although, as a guide, we recommend a total amount per person (aged 12 and over) of £3.10 per day, which covers all staff who have looked after you during your holiday. The only exception to this is for passengers travelling on Oceana and Ventura who have opted to enjoy the flexibility of Freedom Dining as, with this style of dining, you may be seated at a different table and served by a different waiter on each occasion. We will therefore add an automatic service charge of £1.60 per passenger, per day to your shipboard account for the Restaurant Stewards. You will, of course, be able to increase or decrease this charge at your discretion by visiting Reception at any point during your cruise. You can also tip any other staff, including your stateroom Steward, as you feel appropriate. Further details of who and when you should tip can be found in your stateroom............Brian